The Garuda is an important mythical creature in Tibetan Buddhism with profound symbolic significance. It is depicted as a giant bird with golden feathers and wings, symbolizing power, wisdom, and protection.

The story and origin of the Garuda can be traced back to ancient Indian mythology. According to the "Vishnu Purana," Garuda is the mount of the god Vishnu, born from the union of the sage Kashyapa and his wife Vinata. Garuda possesses immense strength and wisdom and can fly at incredible speeds. Due to its extraordinary abilities, Garuda became a protector deity, responsible for driving away evil forces and safeguarding devotees.

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Garuda is regarded as a guardian and protector of the Dharma. According to legend, when Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) was spreading the Dharma in Tibet, he encountered a group of demons who attempted to hinder his mission. Guru Rinpoche summoned the Garuda and assigned it the sacred task of protecting the Dharma and its followers. The Garuda swiftly vanquished the demons, protecting Guru Rinpoche and his disciples. Since then, the Garuda has become one of the important protector deities in Tibetan Buddhism.

The image of the Garuda appears widely in Tibetan Buddhist art, often depicted as a giant bird soaring in flight or in a half-human, half-bird form. Its image frequently appears in temple murals, thangkas, and sculptures, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and protection. The Garuda is also commonly used as a talisman, with devotees believing that wearing Garuda-themed jewelry can protect them from evil forces.

In summary, the Garuda is an important mythical creature in Tibetan Buddhism with a rich history and cultural significance. Its story and origin symbolize strength, wisdom, and protection and play a vital role in the faith and art of Tibetan Buddhism. The Garuda is not only a guardian of the Dharma but also provides spiritual support and protection for devotees, making it an indispensable part of Tibetan Buddhist culture.